Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An apparatus, comprising: a content analysis component to identify section change transitions of content of a media file to be streamed; and a stream metadata generation component to select a first group of the identified section change transitions to correspond with a first streaming bandwidth and a second different group of the identified section change transitions to correspond with a second streaming bandwidth; wherein the stream metadata generation component is to generate a first streaming content marker set for the media file corresponding with the first streaming bandwidth, and a second streaming content marker set for the media file corresponding with the second streaming bandwidth, the first streaming content marker set is associated with a smaller subset of the identified section change transitions than the second streaming content marker set when the first streaming bandwidth is higher than the second streaming bandwidth; and the stream metadata generation component is to insert into stream metadata a marker selected from the first streaming content marker set or the second streaming content marker set to correspond with a selected one of a plurality of identified section change transitions of the content, wherein the marker includes a trigger to signal a streaming client to change a download priority upon reaching the marker.
This invention relates to adaptive streaming of media content, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing bandwidth allocation during streaming to optimize playback quality. The apparatus includes a content analysis component that identifies section change transitions within a media file, such as scene changes or keyframes, which are critical points for adjusting streaming parameters. A stream metadata generation component then selects groups of these transitions to correspond with different streaming bandwidths. For higher bandwidths, a smaller subset of transitions is used, while a larger subset is used for lower bandwidths. This ensures that the streaming client can adapt to varying network conditions by prioritizing content delivery at these transition points. The metadata generation component creates two sets of streaming content markers—one for high bandwidth and another for low bandwidth—and inserts these markers into the stream metadata. Each marker includes a trigger that signals the streaming client to adjust its download priority when the marker is reached, allowing dynamic optimization of content delivery based on available bandwidth. This approach improves streaming efficiency and playback quality by aligning content delivery with critical transition points in the media file.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the selected first group of the identified section change transitions includes only a subset of the identified section change transitions.
This invention relates to an apparatus for processing section change transitions in a document or data stream, addressing the challenge of efficiently identifying and managing transitions between different sections or segments. The apparatus includes a processor configured to identify section change transitions within the input data, where these transitions mark boundaries between distinct sections. The processor then selects a first group of these identified transitions, which may include only a subset rather than all of them, to facilitate further processing or analysis. This selection allows for targeted handling of specific transitions, improving efficiency and accuracy in tasks such as document parsing, data segmentation, or content extraction. The apparatus may also include a memory for storing the input data and the identified transitions, ensuring that the processing steps are performed on a reliable and accessible dataset. By focusing on a subset of transitions, the apparatus optimizes computational resources and reduces unnecessary processing of irrelevant or redundant section changes. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring precise section delineation, such as automated document analysis, data mining, or content categorization. The invention enhances the accuracy and efficiency of section change detection and management in various data processing systems.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stream metadata includes data representing a visual cue to be output on a user interface of an electronic device associated with a requested stream of the media file, the visual cue to indicate a beginning of a non-initial section of the content.
This invention relates to media streaming systems that enhance user navigation by providing visual cues for non-initial content sections. The problem addressed is the difficulty users face in identifying and accessing specific segments within a media file, particularly when the content is lengthy or lacks clear structural markers. The apparatus includes a streaming system that processes media files and generates metadata representing visual cues. These cues are displayed on a user interface of an associated electronic device to indicate the start of non-initial sections within the media content. For example, a visual marker may appear when a new chapter, scene, or segment begins, allowing users to quickly locate and jump to relevant parts of the media. The metadata may include timestamps, labels, or other identifiers that correlate with the visual cues, ensuring accurate navigation. This system improves user experience by reducing the need for manual searching or scrolling, making it particularly useful for educational content, long-form videos, or interactive media where precise navigation is essential. The apparatus may also include components for generating, storing, and transmitting the metadata alongside the media stream, ensuring synchronization between the visual cues and the content.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stream metadata generation component is to generate metadata including at least one of the streaming content marker sets based on resolutions associated with the streaming bandwidths.
This invention relates to a system for generating metadata for streaming content, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and delivering high-quality video streams across varying network conditions. The system includes a stream metadata generation component that creates metadata for streaming content, incorporating streaming content marker sets. These marker sets are derived from resolutions associated with different streaming bandwidths, allowing the system to dynamically adjust the video quality based on available bandwidth. The metadata generation component ensures that the streaming content can be adaptively delivered, optimizing the viewing experience by selecting the most appropriate resolution for the current network conditions. The system also includes a streaming content marker set generation component that creates these marker sets, which are used to identify key points in the streaming content for efficient encoding and transmission. The metadata generation component then uses these marker sets to generate comprehensive metadata that includes resolution information tied to specific bandwidth levels. This enables the streaming system to seamlessly switch between different resolutions without interrupting the content delivery, ensuring smooth playback even as network conditions fluctuate. The invention improves the efficiency and reliability of streaming services by dynamically adapting to network variations while maintaining high-quality video output.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stream metadata generation component is to identify a duration of a section corresponding to one of the identified section change transitions and selecting one of the groups responsive to the identified duration.
This invention relates to a system for analyzing and categorizing media streams, particularly video content, to improve automated processing and user experience. The system addresses the challenge of dynamically segmenting media streams into meaningful sections based on detected transitions, such as scene changes or content shifts, and classifying these sections into predefined groups for further processing or presentation. The apparatus includes a stream metadata generation component that detects section change transitions within a media stream, such as video frames, by analyzing temporal or content-based discontinuities. Once transitions are identified, the system determines the duration of each resulting section. Based on this duration, the system selects an appropriate group or category from a predefined set of groups, which may correspond to different content types, user preferences, or processing requirements. For example, short sections may be classified as "highlights," while longer sections may be grouped as "detailed content." The system may also include a transition detection component that identifies transitions using techniques such as frame differencing, optical flow analysis, or machine learning models trained to recognize scene changes. The grouping mechanism ensures that sections are dynamically categorized, enabling adaptive processing, such as targeted advertising, content summarization, or personalized recommendations. This approach enhances efficiency in media analysis and improves user engagement by tailoring content delivery based on detected structural patterns.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the content analysis component is to identify at least one of the section change transitions by detecting silence indicating an end of dialog or by detecting, by voice analysis, a change from a first voice to a second voice that is different than the first voice.
This invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing audio content, particularly for detecting transitions between sections of audio data. The problem addressed is the need to automatically identify distinct sections within an audio stream, such as changes in dialogue or speaker transitions, to improve content segmentation and indexing. The apparatus includes a content analysis component that processes audio data to detect section change transitions. This component identifies transitions by detecting silence intervals that indicate the end of a dialogue segment or by analyzing voice characteristics to determine when a speaker changes. Voice analysis involves distinguishing between a first voice and a second, different voice, allowing the system to segment audio based on speaker identity. The apparatus may also include additional components for further processing, such as extracting metadata or categorizing content, but the core functionality focuses on transition detection. The invention is useful in applications like transcription services, voice-assisted systems, and media indexing, where accurate segmentation of audio content is essential. By automating the detection of section changes, the apparatus enhances the efficiency and accuracy of audio analysis tasks.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the content analysis component is to identify at least one of the section change transitions by performing a frame to frame comparison of frames of the content.
This invention relates to a content analysis apparatus designed to detect section change transitions within multimedia content, such as video or audio streams. The problem addressed is the need for automated detection of transitions between different sections or segments within a content stream, which is useful for indexing, summarization, or adaptive processing. The apparatus includes a content analysis component that identifies section change transitions by performing frame-to-frame comparisons of the content's frames. This involves analyzing visual or audio features across consecutive frames to detect significant changes that indicate a new section. The comparison may involve pixel-level differences, feature extraction, or other computational techniques to determine transitions. The apparatus may also include additional components for processing the detected transitions, such as segmenting the content, tagging sections, or triggering further analysis. The frame-to-frame comparison method ensures that transitions are detected dynamically without relying on predefined markers or metadata. This approach is particularly useful for unstructured content where section boundaries are not explicitly defined. The apparatus may be integrated into media processing systems, such as video editing tools, streaming platforms, or automated content analysis pipelines. The invention improves efficiency by automating the detection of content structure, reducing manual effort, and enabling more accurate content segmentation.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the identified section change transitions indicate sections with variable durations.
This invention relates to systems for analyzing and processing media content, specifically audio or video streams, to detect and manage transitions between different sections of the content. The problem addressed is the need to accurately identify and handle variable-duration sections within media streams, such as chapters in a video or segments in an audio recording, where the duration of each section may differ. The apparatus includes a processing unit configured to analyze a media stream to detect section changes, where these changes are transitions between distinct sections of the content. The system further identifies the type of transition, such as abrupt cuts or gradual fades, and determines the duration of each section. The apparatus then processes these sections based on the detected transitions and durations, enabling applications like adaptive playback, content indexing, or automated editing. The identified section changes are used to generate metadata that describes the structure of the media stream, including the start and end points of each section and the nature of the transitions between them. This metadata can be used to enhance user experience, such as allowing users to navigate between sections or enabling automated content analysis. The system is particularly useful for media with variable-duration sections, where traditional fixed-duration segmentation methods would fail to accurately capture the content's structure.
9. An apparatus, comprising: a bandwidth check component to determine bandwidth available for streaming media, wherein the media includes music content; a stream download component to initialize download of a first portion of the streaming media to correspond with a first section indicated by a first marker of a streaming content marker set associated with the determined bandwidth; the streaming download component to initialize download of a next portion of the streaming media to correspond with a second section indicated by a second different marker of the streaming content marker set, the initialization of the download of the next portion different than the initialization of the download of the first portion of the streaming media, wherein the streaming download component is further to determine whether to pause playout of the streaming media at a time corresponding to the first marker for buffering, and wherein the streaming content marker set is based on at least one of: introduction of the music content of the media, verse of the music content of the media, chorus of the music content of the media, or adlib of the music content of the media.
This invention relates to adaptive streaming of music content, addressing the challenge of optimizing bandwidth usage and maintaining seamless playback. The apparatus includes a bandwidth check component that assesses available bandwidth for streaming media, specifically music. A stream download component then initiates the download of a first portion of the music, aligning with a first section marked by a streaming content marker set. This marker set is based on structural elements of the music, such as introductions, verses, choruses, or adlibs. The download component subsequently initializes the download of a next portion of the music, corresponding to a second, distinct marker from the same set. The initialization process for the next portion differs from that of the first portion. Additionally, the apparatus determines whether to pause playback at the first marker to allow for buffering, ensuring smooth streaming. The system dynamically adjusts downloads based on bandwidth and music structure to enhance user experience.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the download of the first portion is initialized according to a first priority, and wherein the download of the next portion is initialized according to a second priority that is different than the first priority.
This invention relates to a system for prioritized content delivery, specifically for managing the download of different portions of a file or data set. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of network resources when downloading large files, where all portions are treated equally, leading to delays in accessing critical data. The invention improves this by assigning different priority levels to different portions of the content during download. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to download a first portion of a file according to a first priority level. After the first portion is downloaded, the apparatus initializes the download of a next portion of the file according to a second priority level, which is different from the first. This allows the system to prioritize the download of more important or frequently accessed portions of the file first, while less critical portions are downloaded at a lower priority. The system may also include a network interface for receiving the file portions and a display for presenting the downloaded content. The invention ensures that critical data is available sooner, improving user experience and resource efficiency. The priority levels can be dynamically adjusted based on factors such as user preferences, file structure, or network conditions. This approach is particularly useful in applications like software updates, media streaming, or large data transfers where certain segments are more important than others.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the second priority is lower than the first priority.
A system for managing data transmission prioritization in a network environment addresses the challenge of efficiently allocating bandwidth among multiple data streams with varying importance. The system includes a priority assignment module that categorizes data streams into at least two priority levels, where a first priority level is assigned to higher-importance data and a second priority level is assigned to lower-importance data. The second priority level is specifically configured to have a lower transmission priority than the first, ensuring that critical data receives preferential treatment during network congestion or limited bandwidth conditions. The system further includes a transmission controller that dynamically adjusts the allocation of network resources based on the assigned priorities, optimizing throughput and reducing latency for high-priority data while maintaining stability for lower-priority streams. This approach enhances overall network performance by preventing lower-importance data from degrading the performance of critical transmissions. The system is particularly useful in applications such as real-time communication, industrial automation, or cloud computing, where differentiated service levels are essential for maintaining system reliability and efficiency.
12. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations, to: identify section change transitions of content of a media file to be streamed; associate a first bit rate with a first bandwidth and a second bit rate that is different than the first bit rate with a second bandwidth, for the media file to be streamed; select a first group of the identified section change transitions to correspond with the first bit rate and a second different group of the identified section change transitions to correspond with the second bit rate; generate a first streaming content marker set for the first bandwidth, and a second streaming content marker set for the second bandwidth, the first streaming content marker set is associated with a smaller subset of the identified section change transitions than the second streaming content marker set when the first bandwidth is higher than the second bandwidth; wherein the first and the second streaming content marker sets are subsequently used to stream the media file under the respective first and second bandwidths; output metadata for at least one of the first or second bandwidths based on at least one of the first or second streaming content marker sets.
This invention relates to adaptive streaming of media files, specifically optimizing bitrate selection and content transitions for different bandwidth conditions. The system identifies section change transitions within a media file, such as scene cuts or keyframes, to determine natural breakpoints for streaming adjustments. It associates different bitrates with different bandwidths, where a higher bitrate corresponds to a higher bandwidth and vice versa. The system then groups these transitions into sets, assigning one group to a higher bitrate (and thus higher bandwidth) and another to a lower bitrate (lower bandwidth). For higher bandwidths, the system generates a more compact marker set with fewer transitions, while for lower bandwidths, it creates a more detailed marker set with additional transitions to ensure smoother playback. These marker sets are used to dynamically adjust streaming quality based on available bandwidth, ensuring optimal performance without unnecessary buffering or quality degradation. The system outputs metadata for streaming, incorporating the marker sets to guide adaptive bitrate streaming decisions. This approach improves efficiency in adaptive streaming by aligning bitrate changes with natural content transitions, reducing visual disruptions during bandwidth fluctuations.
13. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the metadata includes a marker to correspond with a selected one of a plurality of identified section change transitions of the content, wherein the marker includes a trigger to signal a streaming client to change a download priority upon reaching the marker.
This invention relates to adaptive streaming of digital content, specifically improving how streaming clients manage bandwidth and prioritize content delivery based on metadata markers. The problem addressed is inefficient bandwidth usage during streaming, where clients may download content at a uniform priority regardless of its importance, leading to delays or buffering when critical sections (e.g., scene changes, high-action moments) are encountered. The solution involves embedding metadata markers within the content stream that correspond to identified section change transitions, such as scene cuts or key events. Each marker includes a trigger that instructs the streaming client to dynamically adjust its download priority when the marker is reached. For example, if a high-priority section (e.g., a fast-paced action sequence) is approaching, the marker can signal the client to preemptively increase bandwidth allocation for that segment, ensuring smoother playback. Conversely, lower-priority sections may trigger reduced priority to conserve bandwidth. The metadata markers are embedded in the content stream alongside the actual media data, allowing the client to detect and act on them in real time. This adaptive prioritization ensures that critical content is delivered with minimal latency, while less important segments use bandwidth more efficiently. The system is particularly useful for video streaming, where scene changes or high-action sequences require immediate access to maintain quality. The invention improves user experience by reducing buffering and ensuring seamless playback during dynamic content transitions.
14. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the metadata includes data representing a visual cue to be output on a user interface of an electronic device associated with a requested stream of the media file, the visual cue to indicate a beginning of a non-initial section of the content.
This invention relates to media file processing and playback systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently navigating and accessing non-initial sections of media content. The technology involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions for processing a media file, where the file includes metadata that identifies specific sections of the content. The metadata includes data representing a visual cue that is output on a user interface of an electronic device associated with a requested stream of the media file. This visual cue indicates the beginning of a non-initial section of the content, allowing users to easily locate and access specific parts of the media without manually searching through the entire file. The system ensures that the visual cue is displayed in a manner that clearly distinguishes the start of a non-initial section, enhancing user experience by providing intuitive navigation. The metadata may also include additional information such as timestamps or descriptive labels to further assist in content navigation. The invention improves media playback efficiency by enabling direct access to relevant sections, reducing the need for manual searching and improving user engagement with the content.
15. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the operations are further to output the metadata responsive to a determination of resolutions associated with the bit rates.
This invention relates to digital media processing, specifically systems for managing and outputting metadata associated with media content. The problem addressed is the efficient handling of metadata in media streaming or playback systems, particularly when dealing with different resolutions and bit rates of media content. The invention provides a method for processing media data that includes extracting metadata from a media file, where the metadata describes characteristics of the media content, such as resolution, bit rate, or encoding parameters. The system then determines the appropriate resolution and bit rate settings for the media content, which may involve analyzing the media file or receiving user preferences. Based on this determination, the system outputs the metadata in a format that is compatible with the selected resolution and bit rate. This ensures that the metadata is accurately displayed or processed alongside the media content, regardless of the media's resolution or bit rate settings. The invention may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof, and is particularly useful in adaptive streaming systems where media content is dynamically adjusted to match network conditions or device capabilities.
16. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the operations are further to output the metadata responsive to receipt of a request from a streaming client for the media file.
A system and method for managing and retrieving metadata associated with media files, particularly in streaming applications. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently storing, organizing, and accessing metadata for media files, such as video or audio content, to enhance user experience and system performance in streaming environments. The invention involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, perform operations to generate, store, and retrieve metadata for media files. The metadata may include information such as file identifiers, timestamps, encoding parameters, or other descriptive data relevant to the media content. The system is designed to process and associate this metadata with the corresponding media files, ensuring that the data remains accessible and usable for various applications, including streaming services. Additionally, the system is configured to output the metadata in response to a request from a streaming client, enabling real-time or on-demand access to the metadata for playback, analysis, or other purposes. This ensures that streaming clients can efficiently retrieve the necessary metadata to support media playback, adaptive streaming, or other functionalities without disrupting the streaming experience. The invention improves the efficiency and reliability of metadata management in media streaming systems, enhancing both user experience and system performance.
17. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the operations are further to: stream media file data corresponding to a first section indicated by a first marker of the first streaming content marker set to a streaming client; and in response to a determination that playback for the streamed media file data is complete, stream media file data corresponding to a second section indicated by a second marker of the second streaming content marker set to the streaming client.
This invention relates to adaptive media streaming systems that dynamically adjust content delivery based on user interaction or playback conditions. The problem addressed is efficiently managing media streaming to optimize bandwidth, reduce latency, and enhance user experience by selectively streaming content segments rather than entire files. The system involves a server that processes media files containing multiple content sections, each identified by markers in predefined marker sets. These markers define segments of the media file that can be streamed independently. The server streams media data corresponding to a first section, as indicated by a first marker from a first marker set, to a streaming client. Upon detecting that playback of this streamed section is complete, the server automatically streams media data for a second section, as indicated by a second marker from a second marker set, to the same client. This allows for dynamic, on-demand streaming of content segments without requiring the client to request each segment explicitly. The marker sets may be predefined or generated based on content analysis, user preferences, or real-time conditions. The system ensures seamless playback transitions between segments while minimizing unnecessary data transfer. This approach is particularly useful for adaptive streaming protocols where content delivery must adapt to network conditions or user behavior. The invention improves efficiency by avoiding full-file streaming and enables personalized or context-aware media delivery.
18. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the operations are further to: in response to receipt of a request from a streaming client, identify a bandwidth corresponding to the request; identify a corresponding portion of the metadata based on the identified bandwidth; and transmit the identified portion of the metadata for delivery to the streaming client.
This invention relates to adaptive streaming systems, specifically optimizing metadata delivery to streaming clients based on their bandwidth. The problem addressed is inefficient metadata handling in streaming services, where clients with varying network conditions receive the same metadata, leading to unnecessary data transfer or degraded performance. The solution involves dynamically selecting and transmitting only the relevant portion of metadata to each streaming client based on their detected bandwidth. The system first receives a request from a streaming client and identifies the client's bandwidth. It then retrieves a corresponding portion of metadata that matches the client's bandwidth requirements. Finally, the system transmits only this portion of metadata to the client, ensuring efficient data delivery. The metadata may include information such as video segments, encoding options, or other streaming-related data. This approach reduces bandwidth usage and improves streaming performance by avoiding the transmission of irrelevant metadata to clients with lower bandwidth capabilities. The invention is part of a broader system for managing streaming content, which may include encoding, segmenting, and delivering media files to clients. The dynamic metadata selection ensures that each client receives only the necessary data for optimal playback under their specific network conditions.
19. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the operations are further to identify at least one of the section change transitions by detection of silence associated with an end of dialog or by detection, by voice analysis, of a change from a first voice to a second voice that is different than the first voice.
This invention relates to audio processing, specifically detecting transitions between sections of an audio recording, such as speech segments. The problem addressed is accurately identifying section changes in audio data, which is crucial for applications like transcription, indexing, and content analysis. The invention involves analyzing audio recordings to detect transitions between sections by identifying silence at the end of a dialog or by voice analysis to detect a change from one speaker to another. The system processes audio data to segment it into distinct sections based on these transitions, improving the accuracy of subsequent audio processing tasks. The method includes extracting features from the audio, such as silence detection or voice characteristics, and applying algorithms to determine section boundaries. This approach enhances the reliability of audio segmentation, particularly in scenarios with multiple speakers or varying speech patterns. The invention is implemented using computer-readable instructions that perform these operations, ensuring automated and efficient processing of audio recordings. The solution is particularly useful in applications requiring precise segmentation of audio content, such as voice assistants, transcription services, and media analysis tools.
20. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the operations are further to identify at least one of the section change transitions based on a frame to frame comparison of frames of the content.
The invention relates to video processing, specifically to detecting section changes in video content. The problem addressed is the need for automated methods to identify transitions between different sections of a video, such as scene changes, chapter breaks, or other structural divisions, to improve video analysis, indexing, or editing. The invention involves a computer-implemented method that processes video content to detect section change transitions. The method analyzes the video by comparing frames to identify significant changes between them, which indicate transitions between sections. This frame-to-frame comparison may involve analyzing visual features, such as pixel differences, color histograms, or motion vectors, to determine when a new section begins. The detected transitions are then used to segment the video into distinct sections, enabling further processing like indexing, summarization, or adaptive streaming. The method may also incorporate additional techniques, such as analyzing audio features or metadata, to enhance transition detection accuracy. By automating the identification of section changes, the invention improves video processing efficiency and enables applications like automated video editing, content-based retrieval, and adaptive streaming optimization. The solution is particularly useful for large-scale video datasets where manual section identification is impractical.
21. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the operations are further to ascertain whether a predetermined streaming content marker set is available.
A system and method for managing streaming content involves analyzing and processing digital media streams to identify and utilize predefined markers within the content. The technology operates in the domain of digital media streaming, addressing the challenge of efficiently tracking, categorizing, and interacting with specific segments of streaming content. The system includes a processing module that examines incoming media streams to detect markers embedded within the content. These markers may represent key events, timestamps, or other significant points within the stream. The system further includes a decision-making module that determines whether a predetermined set of these markers is available for use. If the markers are detected, the system can trigger various actions, such as logging, notifications, or content modifications, based on the presence of these markers. The system may also interact with external databases or user preferences to customize the handling of the streaming content. The overall goal is to enhance the usability and functionality of streaming media by providing structured access to specific content segments, enabling better content management, analysis, and user interaction.
22. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the operations are further to identify a duration of a section corresponding to one of the identified section change transitions and select one of the groups responsive to the identified duration.
This invention relates to video processing, specifically to analyzing and segmenting video content based on detected transitions between sections. The problem addressed is the need for automated systems to accurately identify and categorize different segments within a video, such as scene changes, to improve video editing, indexing, or content analysis. The invention involves a method for processing video data by detecting section change transitions, which are points where the content of the video shifts from one segment to another. These transitions are identified by analyzing changes in visual or audio features of the video. Once detected, the transitions are used to segment the video into distinct sections. The system further analyzes the duration of each section to determine its significance or relevance. Based on the identified duration, the system selects a predefined group or category for the section, allowing for automated classification or further processing. This approach enables efficient video segmentation and categorization, which can be applied in applications like video editing software, content recommendation systems, or automated video summarization. The invention improves upon existing methods by incorporating duration-based selection, enhancing the accuracy and utility of video segmentation.
23. A method of creating metadata to enable improved media streaming, the method comprising: identifying section change transitions of content of a media file to be streamed; associating a first bit rate with a first bandwidth and a second bit rate that is different than the first bit rate with a second bandwidth, for the media file to be streamed; generating a first streaming content marker set for the first bandwidth, and a second streaming content marker set for the second bandwidth, the generating including: selecting a first group of the identified section change transitions to correspond with the first bit rate associated with the first bandwidth and generating the first streaming content marker set for the first bandwidth based on the selected first group; and selecting a second different group of the identified section change transitions to correspond with the second bit rate associated with the second bandwidth and generating the second streaming content marker set for the second bandwidth based on the selected second group, the first streaming content marker set is associated with a smaller subset of the identified section change transitions than the second streaming content marker set when the first bandwidth is higher than the second bandwidth; and generating metadata for at least one of the bandwidths based on at least one of the streaming content marker sets, wherein the streaming content marker sets are subsequently used to stream the media file under the first or the second bandwidths; and storing the metadata in an electronic memory device.
This invention relates to adaptive media streaming, specifically improving streaming efficiency by dynamically generating bandwidth-specific metadata. The problem addressed is the challenge of optimizing streaming performance across varying network conditions, where different bandwidths require distinct streaming strategies. The solution involves creating metadata that adapts to different bandwidths by identifying section change transitions in a media file, such as scene cuts or chapter breaks. These transitions are then grouped into bandwidth-specific marker sets. For higher bandwidths, a smaller subset of transitions is selected, while lower bandwidths use a larger subset. Each marker set is associated with a corresponding bit rate, ensuring smoother streaming under varying conditions. The metadata is generated based on these marker sets and stored for later use. During streaming, the appropriate marker set is selected based on the available bandwidth, enabling efficient content delivery. This approach enhances streaming quality by dynamically adjusting to network constraints while maintaining content integrity.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the metadata includes a marker to correspond with a selected one of a plurality of identified section change transitions of the content, wherein the marker includes a trigger to signal a streaming client to change a download priority upon reaching the marker.
This invention relates to content streaming systems, specifically methods for managing download priorities based on content structure. The problem addressed is inefficient bandwidth usage during streaming, where clients may prioritize content sections unevenly, leading to buffering or delays. The solution involves embedding metadata markers within the content stream to signal section transitions. Each marker corresponds to a specific section change in the content and includes a trigger that instructs the streaming client to adjust its download priority when the marker is encountered. This allows the client to dynamically allocate bandwidth based on the importance or type of content being streamed, such as prioritizing high-resolution segments or critical data. The metadata markers are inserted at predefined points in the content, ensuring synchronization between the stream and the client's download strategy. This approach optimizes streaming performance by aligning download priorities with the content's structural changes, reducing latency and improving user experience. The method is applicable to various streaming applications, including video, audio, and data transmission.
25. The method of claim 23 , wherein the metadata includes data representing a visual cue to be output on a user interface of an electronic device associated with a requested stream of the media file, the visual cue to indicate a beginning of a non-initial section of the content.
This invention relates to media streaming systems that enhance user navigation by providing visual cues for non-initial content sections. The problem addressed is the difficulty users face in identifying and accessing specific segments within a media file, particularly when the content is divided into multiple sections beyond the initial portion. The solution involves embedding metadata within the media file that includes visual indicators, which are displayed on an electronic device's user interface when a stream of the media file is requested. These visual cues specifically mark the beginning of non-initial sections, allowing users to quickly locate and navigate to these parts without manual searching. The metadata may also include additional information such as timestamps or section titles to further assist navigation. The system ensures that the visual cues are dynamically presented during playback, improving the user experience by reducing the time and effort required to find desired content within a media file. This approach is particularly useful for long-form content like lectures, documentaries, or podcasts, where users may want to skip to specific segments. The invention builds on a broader method for processing media files, which involves analyzing the content to identify distinct sections and generating metadata that describes these sections for playback devices. The visual cues are rendered on the user interface in a way that is intuitive and non-intrusive, ensuring seamless integration with existing media playback systems.
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May 12, 2020
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